MIDFIELDER Joe Aribo impressed as Saints played out a 0-0 draw with Getafe to conclude their pre-season schedule at St Mary's.

All focus now turns to the Premier League opener at Newcastle United next Saturday, in which the hosts will be heavy favourites over Saints.

Russell Martin's side won four, drew two and lost just one of their seven pre-season matches but have plenty of work to do ahead of the new campaign.

Here is how we rated the players in their final friendly match of the summer... 

(Image: Stuart Martin)

Alex McCarthy - 7.

Looked decent with his feet in this outing and made the simple saves required. A couple of long balls, including through on goal to an offside Armstrong, were impressive. 

Yukinari Sugawara - 8. 

Saw him on the overlap a few times and his crossing from free-kicks was really dangerous. Early miscommunication led to a big chance but otherwise very impressive. 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 7.

Steady operator throughout. Tidy in possession with very little danger. Saw one example of a long ball coming off but most of his work done in his own half. 

Jan Bednarek - 7.

Defended well and kept possession bravely playing out the back. Kicked out at during the game and stood up to fight. Miscommunication with Sugawara led to a big chance.

Jack Stephens - 7.

Once again, stepping into midfield and sometimes racing forward beyond that as well as defensive duties. Good performance from the skipper considering the demands on him. 

Kyle Walker-Peters - 7.

A ridiculous dribble through two of three people to win a foul typified what he is about. Strong in possession and looked great, albeit not creating too many chances. 

Flynn Downes - 7.

Another standard performance - that means very good for Downes. Winning the ball back and progressing play. 

Will Smallbone - 8.

Had a good header well saved by the keeper and a shot blocked from inside the box. Played through Armstrong later in the tie and was booked for a cynical foul. Good. 

Joe Aribo - 8. 

My man of the match. Super strong and always kept possession in tight areas. No brainer to start against Newcastle with newfound physicality in the middle.

Adam Armstrong - 4.

Bad day at the office. Loose controls, made a wrong decision on an early dangerous counter. Passed the ball straight to Getafe for a shot on goal and missed several late chances. 

Ben Brereton Diaz - 7. 

Looks like an absolute monster and something for the defenders to aim at. Set Smallbone up for his good chance and looked creative with flicks around the edge of the area. 

(Image: Stuart Martin)

Substitutes 

Sam Edozie - 6.

Great work to chase a McCarthy ball and set up Armstrong for a clear chance. Missed a chance of his own from Dibling's cross. Involved but a bit untidy. 

Charlie Taylor - 6.

No notes after coming on for Walker-Peters in the 60th minute. Might have missed something but did nothing to grab attention - presumably solid enough.

Joe Lumley - 6. 

Made a good save within seconds of coming on but had some shaky moments both short and long with the ball at his feet. Did fine but token minutes. 

Paul Onuachu - 6. 

Looked leggy and a bit slow. Played in the middle and dropped into midfield. Tried to get on the end of a cross but was well blocked. Probably not the solution. 

Tyler Dibling - 7. 

Created a good chance for Edozie with a beautiful dink into the back-post despite limited minutes - he played 10. Will have done his stock no harm with that.